In 2017, Julie Crabtree was Summerfest’s Best in Show, but she was still surprised to be chosen as this year’s featured artist.

“I was shocked,” Crabtree said. “And then she said, ‘You have to come back next year if you’re going to be the featured artist.’ I said, ‘Not a problem.’”

Last Summerfest was Crabtree’s first time visiting Logan. Her work is mixed medium, vivid works of paint and embroidery. She’s often inspired by landscapes; she found Utah’s unique landscape especially fascinating and plans to create some pieces inspired by it for the festival.

“When I’m driving around I’m constantly looking at landscapes, shapes of trees, you know, the hills, the skyline, the sky, everything,” she said. “It’s a wonder I stay on the road sometimes.”

Crabtree said her unique style is part of what made her stand out at Summerfest. In England, where she was born, embroidery is a more common medium. Growing up, her father painted and her mother embroidered. Her style is inspired by both of them.

Crabtree, who lives in Wisconsin, said she’s excited to come back to Utah.

“I am looking forward to exploring a little bit more,” she said. “I really didn’t have time to explore, and doing some reading and research, there is such a lot to see.”